NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI – In an effort to boost the number of ships, jobs, and revenue generated by Quonset’s Port of Davisville, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives James Langevin and David Cicilline today announced $11,250,000 to upgrade the port’s North Berth at Pier 1, which was built in 1941. The project includes demolition and removal of existing material, construction of approximately 32,000 square feet of pier deck/foundation/pile caps, 20 mooring bollards, and 20 berthing fenders.
The Port of Davisville — Rhode Island’s only public port — is a key part of the Quonset Business Park, which hosts more than 200 companies and 12,900 jobs. This project, which is being funded through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) will rehabilitate the North Berth at Pier 1 in order to support more efficient use of the facility. The delegation previously secured $11.14 million under the PIDP in 2020 for the first phase of improvements to Pier 1.
The seven-acre Pier 1 was originally built as part of the effort to fight World War II. Constructed with concrete and asphalt and held up by wooden posts, a modernized Pier 1 North Berth would contribute to the business park’s future growth by enhancing the movement of freight into and out of the port. It will also create greater access to upland terminal space and to 215 additional acres of developable land.
“This is another smart investment in unlocking Quonset’s economic potential, utilizing our assets, and helping Rhode Island compete for the clean-energy jobs of the future,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who helped secure $450 million annually for the PIDP in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which President Biden signed into law last year, and a further $234.3 million for the program in the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act. “As Quonset continues to grow and diversify, I’m pleased to have helped deliver this federal funding to shore up Pier 1. This investment will position Quonset to bring more jobs and economic opportunities to Rhode Island through its existing auto shipping services and the growing offshore wind industry.”
“Quonset’s Port of Davisville has long served as an economic engine for Rhode Island,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This major federal investment will further modernize Quonset’s infrastructure to ensure the Ocean State remains a regional leader in car imports and a key player in the booming offshore wind industry. Today’s announcement will help keep the Ocean State competitive and support jobs for Rhode Islanders.”
“The Port of Davisville is an economic engine that helps to power the Quonset Business Park and the 12,900 jobs it supports,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “These federal dollars, which I was proud to secure alongside my delegation colleagues, will help repair the structural deficiencies at Pier 1 and pave the way for Quonset to remain a leader in the burgeoning clean-energy economy.”
“Quonset and its Port of Davisville are critical to Rhode Island’s economy,” said Congressman Cicilline. “Repairing and investing in its Pier 1 will not only help to preserve jobs, but also lay the groundwork for future employment opportunities as we continue to grow and diversify our State’s industries – including auto shipping, offshore wind, and maritime trades.”
“Modernizing Pier 1 will ensure the continued use of the Port of Davisville as a strategic location for jobs and activity in the maritime industry for decades to come. We appreciate Senator Reed’s leadership and our entire Congressional Delegation’s unwavering support of our mission to make Quonset Business the premier center of commerce in New England,” said Steven King, managing director for the Quonset Development Corporation.
According to the Quonset Development Corporation, the business park generates $1.3 billion in income annually, as well as $136 million in state and local taxes and PILOT payments. Quonset has already signed an agreement with Ørsted and Eversource to homeport five crew transport vessels that serve offshore wind projects.
The federal funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) port infrastructure development program.
Chip Unruh (Reed), 202-224-4642
Meaghan McCabe (Whitehouse), 401-453-5294
Matt Fidel (Langevin), (202) 631-1010
Jennifer Bell (Cicilline), (202) 365-0827
